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Youkobo Art Space
Annual Report
2010
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CONTENTS
Page
1. Introduction to the Annual Report 2010 ………………. 3
2. Introduction to Youkobo - Vision, core values and mission ……………….5
3. AIR Program ……………….6
4. Exhibitions Program ……………..13
5. Studio Program ……………..18
6. Talk events ……………..19
7. Global Internship Program ……………. 21
8. Network Development …………….. 21
- JENESYS1 Program
- Res Artis2 Award
- GTS3 Sightseeing Art Project
- J-AIR4 Network Open Forum
- Res Artis General Meeting
- Presentation at the Agency for Cultural Affairs
- Noge Hana Hana Symposium, Yokohama
9. Projects organized by Youkobo …………….. 25
Trolls in the Park Exhibition:
-Outline
-'Trolls in Spring' Exhibition
-Trolls Symposium
Art Kids_children’s workshop
10. Appendices ……………..27
-2010 Overview
1 The Japan –East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths
2 An International network of artist residencies
3 Geidai Taitou Sumida
4 Japan Artist in Residency
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１．Annual Report 2010
This report is a summary of Youkobo’s activities in 2010 which for the first time were clearly divided and managed
according to the following programs.
・AIR Program
・Gallery Program
・Studio Program
・Related Activities: ①AIR support (research, popularization, J-AIR Network Forum, Res Artis, etc.)
②Community activities (Trolls in the Park/ Art in Parks, Art Kids)
③GIP (internship)
Within these programs, coordination of exchange between resident artists and those exhibiting in the gallery,
schedule adjustment, management of the application process, and planning of a number of talk events is
implemented.
In order to help build strong networks, we give priority to making connections with other AIR centers. This year
provided many opportunities for exchange between domestic and overseas AIR professionals, building
momentum for further activities. New collaborations were formed with a number of large institutions, notably the
Japan Foundation, Res Artis and Tokyo University of the Arts. Resident artist Ismael de Anda’s participation in
the GTS Sightseeing Art Project (A collaborative community-based project organized between Geidai-Tokyo
University of the Arts, Taito ward and Sumida ward) was a good opportunity to consider the role of Youkobo in
society as a community-based art space
Among a number of significant changes for Youkobo in 2010, the significant development was the renewal of the
Youkobo website. Designed by emerging local designer Ryuichi Maeda, the new website has made it easier for
staff to update information and to keep archives of Youkobo activities. Our new website also enables easier
access for visitors to gather information about our programs, events, and the application procedure of residence
and exhibition at Youkobo. There are also links to a number of other important sites, notably the ‘Trolls in the
Park’ Exhibition website .
Youkobo Website: www.youkobo.co.jp Trolls Website: www.artinparks.net
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To coincide with this renewal, alterations were made to studio 2 in order to create a new residency/studio space.
From 2010, there are now three residency spaces (AIR 1, AIR 2, and AIR 3), two equipped with studios and one
accommodation-only residence which is suitable for those wanting to do research in the fields of writing, curation,
music, and so on. These alterations were made in order to give Youkobo greater flexibility in the selection of
participants for the residency program.
2011 will be the tenth year of activity for Youkobo Art Space. It will also mark the tenth year of its longest-standing
related activity, ‘Trolls in the Park’. At this important milestone, it is hoped that the new connections and initiatives
of 2010 can be further enhanced while also consolidating the achievements over the last ten years.
Special Thank You
The developments achieved together with the artists over 2010 were accomplished with the understanding and
direct or indirect support of a large number of overseas establishments, related organizations, and art
professionals. We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Australian Embassy, Finnish Institute in Japan, Italian
Embassy, Laos Embassy, Luxembourg Embassy, Norwegian Embassy, Turkish Embassy, Karl og Dagmar
Thyrres rejsefond, Ragvald og Ida Blix Fond, Kansas City Artists Coalition, Res Artis, Asian Cultural Council,
Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Japan Foundation JENESYS, Japan-US Friendship Commission, International
House of Japan, G.T.S. Sightseeing Art Project, Tokyo University of Arts, Chubi Central Art School, Toyo Institute
of Art and Design, TERATOTERA, Trolls in the Park Organizing Committee, Zempukuji Metropolitan Park,
Tokyo, Momoshi Elementary School, Shinmachi Shoeikai, Radio Pachi Pachi, Abiko International Open Air
Art Exhibition, Za Koenji Theater
We would also like to give special thanks to the EU-Japan Fest Committee for giving their understanding and
financial support for Youkobo’s activities. Our activities are also kindly supported by many volunteers and artists.
We would also like to thank you for their generous and continuous help.
Youkobo ART SPACE Annual Report 2010
Editor:
Youkobo Art Space
Published by:
Youkobo Art Space
Zempukuji 3-2-10, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 167-0041 Japan
TEL: +81-3-5930-5009 FAX: +81-3-3399-7549 E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.youkobo.co.jp www.artinparks.net/
Published in Japan, January 2011 copyright, Youkobo Art Space
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2. Introduction to Youkobo Art Space
Art is essential to society, providing people with time to reflect on and make new discoveries in their daily lives.
Through autonomous activities, Youkobo Art Space links the regional and the international, traditional culture and
contemporary art, and such elements that appear to be in different directions. We generate situations and
exchanges with a natural openness to and recognition in such diversities. With the objective of supporting
creative expressions of artists who earnestly work, we will continue carrying out our art programs as a member of
local community.
Vision
We aim to demonstrates the importance and the vital role of art in society, by being a flexible and supportive
space for artists
Core values
- Openness and exchange:
We believe that art should be open to everyone, and that it is an essential tool in fostering
communication and understanding between people of different cultures.
- Flexibility:
We recognize that the nature of art and the work that artists do requires a flexible approach in the way
that we maintain our activities.
- Autonomy:
While recognizing the importance of maintaining strong networks with the community and other
institutions, we also believe in individuality and diversity both in the artists and our own institution.
Mission
- Supporting artists who have a genuine commitment to their practice. (AIR program and gallery program)
- Encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding between overseas, local artists and residents, and building a
society more open to diversity. (Artist talk and events).
- Building strong networks with other AIR centers and art spaces in order to increase accessibility to and
promote a greater appreciation of art. (J-AIR Network, Res Artis, etc.)
- Developing a range of art activities that play a normalizing role where art is recognized as essential to society.
Youkobo Art Space is run by the following people:
Directors; Hiroko Murata, Tatsuhiko Murata
Staff members; Mika Harigai, Yuhri Kabata, Yuhko Kobayashi, Jaime Humphreys, Keiko Suzuki, Utako Shindo
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3. AIR Program
It is one of Youkobo's lasting objectives that artists joining the residence program be given as much flexibility as
possible in relation to their art activities during their residency. The transient and ever-changing nature of
contemporary art practice requires that art centers and residency programs also take an adaptable approach to
the running of their programs in order to support the diverse needs of artists.
In 2010, a total of 16 overseas artists from 11 different countries participated in the AIR Program. This year, many
of the residency artists came to Japan to conduct research or to prepare for the production of future work and
exhibitions. As a result, there were fewer open studios than in previous years. Some of these artists participated
in artist talk shows organized by Youkobo, while others focused on projects that had been developed with other
institutions. While it is important to recognize the needs of the artists in residencies of this kind where there is no
pressure to present results, it is also important for Youkobo to find a balance between the number of residency
artists whose projects are purely research-based and those who intend to present work in some form either in an
open studio or talk presentation. A program with equal numbers of both types of residency will allow more scope
for interaction between residency artists and the Youkobo community.
There were also a number of firsts for Youkobo this year. We welcomed Souliya Phoumivong as the first
residency artist from Laos, and Valerio Berruti as the first artist from Italy to join the program. It was also the first
time to host a winner of the Res Artis Award, Merve Ertufan from Turkey.
What follows is a short summary of residency artists’ activities in 2010]
Michele Kong (USA)
2009.10.1－2010.4.20, Residence 1+Studio 1 (stayed at annex building from 2010.4.1 – 4.20)
Michele Kong conducted a residency at Youkobo with the support of the Japan-US Friendship Commission
(JUSFC) and I-House of Japan. Her goal was to carry out research on traditional Japanese arts such as garden
design and the tea ceremony in preparation for new work. Michele gave a talk presentation about the work she
had made leading up to the residency and showed excerpts from two video works-in-progress which she made
during her residency in response to collaborations and interviews with a number of Japanese creators and
traditional arts practitioners.
Swell, 2004 Keeping a Balance: The Legacy of Shigemori Mirei, Excerpt from video made during residency
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Tim McCormack (Canada)
2009.12.26－2010.3.31, Residence 3
Tim McCormack, who is teaching Animation at Sheridan College in Toronto, conducted 3 month research into the
postmodern popular culture of manga and anim. Having a base in Youkobo, he made visits to Suginami Anime
Museum and A small Animation School, investigating the role which Manga and Anime have played in
reconfiguring pictorial concepts developed in Europe and America by 18th and 19
th century Romantic painters.
Jaakko Mattila (Finland)
2010.4.1－6.30, Residence 1+ Studio 1
Jaakko Mattila made use of his first residency abroad to create a new series of works exploring Japanese art
materials such as hand-ground ink and traditional goathair brushes. Jaakko productively created a number of
large-scale works on paper which were shown in an open studio in the final month, take part in an artist talk event
held in his studio, and a panel discussion about AIR centers in the Arctic Circle held as part of the J-AIR Open
Forum at the Norwegian Embassy
Jaakko Mattila working in his studio Open Studio: Made in Japan, 6.10 – 6.27
Souliya Phoumivong (Laos) JENESYS Program Participant
2010.3.23－5.31, Residence 2 + Studio 2
Souliya aimed for his two-month residency to learn about animation and create an experimental work with the
medium which is currently not covered in the course curriculum at the National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA) in
Vientiane (Laos) where he lectures. Youkobo’s supporting members: artists and a local art teacher Mr. Motonaga
assisted him and enabled his access to the elementary school for his creating work. Souliya participated in a
number of Youkobo related events such as a lecture at Tokyo University of the Arts, the ‘Trolls in Spring’
Exhibition, and Art Kids workshops. He also made many visits to galleries and museums in support of Youkobo.
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Souliya Phoumivong Presentation at Tokyo University of the Arts, 6.20 Open Studio: Small World, 5.26 – 5.29
Pat Warner (USA)
2010.4.1－4.30, Residence 3
Pat Warner conducted a one-month residency at Youkobo to research traditional Japanese painting which
depicts imagery of the natural world, and to prepare preliminary sketches for a large-scale drawing installation to
be made after her return to the US. Pat gave a presentation about her recent work and the research she carried
out while in Japan.
Garden, Spring, 2008 Inside Outside, Outside Inside Garden, Spring 2008 2005
Ara Kim (Korea)
2010.5.2－6.30, Residence 3
Ara Kim is a theater director based in Korea who has led a number of large-scale avant-garde theater
productions. During her two-month residency, Ara directed ‘Lear’, a contemporary rendition of the Shakespeare
play involving a number of Japanese and Korean actors which was presented at Za Koenji theater in Koenji,
Tokyo. Her tight schedule did not allow time to hold her presentation at Youkobo, but she pro-actively participated
in our opening events and artist talks. It is hoped that the connections made with Za Koenji theater will bear fruit
in the years to come.
Namu – Commemoration of G20 Seoul Summit 2010
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Merve Ertufan (Turkey)
2010.6.4－7.31, Residence 2 + Studio 2
Res Artis Award winner, Merve Ertufan, used her two-month residency to make work based around her interest in
self-representation, cross-cultural transition and the ways in which we establish interpersonal relationships.
Using her own experiences in Japan, she made a series of text-based work and presented it in an open studio.
She also participated in two artist talks organized by Youkobo. (More information in page )
Merve Ertufan Open Studio: Jet-lagged, 7.15 – 7.25
Dimple Rajyaguru (Australia)
2010.7.1－8.30, Residence 1 + Studio 1
During her two-month residency, Dimple Rajyaguru developed an installation where she intended to make a
visual map of the journeys he made leading up to and during her stay. Dimple’s work is an exploration of her
encounters with new cultures and how they impact her own identity formation and idea of cultural belonging in a
foreign country. Dimple presented her ideas and previous work in a presentation held with Susan White.
Dimple Rajyaguru Open Studio: The Reconstruction Project: Love in Tokyo, 8.21 – 8.29
Martijn Tellinga (Holland) 2010.7.8 - 7.29, Residence 3
Martijn Tellinga is an artist working in the field of musical composition often using media to create acoustic
installations. He developed an existing work which uses computers to aid composition of a spatial installation,
and made a presentation of this at Superdeluxe in Roppongi and a number of other sites in Tokyo.
Ballonnenveld, Sound Installation, 2006 Microphone, performance 2009
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Susan White (USA)
2010.8.1－8.31, Residence 3 + Studio 2
Susan White conducted research into the meaning of ‘sanctuary’ as an expression of architectural, aesthetic, and
spiritual space. Using photographic and video documentation, she explored a number of public venues such as
museums and temples in relation to this theme. She presented the findings of her research in a talk show held
with Dimple Rajyaguru and also showed pyrographs or burn drawings on paper made during her residency.
Pyrograph from Open Studio Mindgames, 2009
Valerio Berruti (Italy)
2010.9.1－10.31, Residence 1 + Studio 1
Valerio Berruti works in various fields from drawing and sculpture to video-animation, to create delicate portraits
of children. For his new series, he created portraits of children from the neighboring elementary school through
liaison between Youkobo and the art teacher Mr. Motonag. Some of his work produced during his residency will
be exhibited in his solo show at the Pola Museum Annex in Tokyo in January 2011. He was granted an award by
the ISPC in New York (the International Studio and Curatorial Program),
L'ottavo clima, (con)temporary Art, Milan 2008 The Girl and the Tree, Seoul 2008 La Figlia di Isacco, Venice Biennial 2009
Ismael de Anda (USA)
2010.9.1－11.5, Residence 2 + Studio 2
Prior to his Youkobo residency, Ismael de Anda conducted research into the similarities between the Japanese
Obon Festival and the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a festival also celebrated in Los Angeles.
During his residency, Ismael produced a colorful large-scale screen which integrated elements from Japan,
Mexico, and his own background and participated in the GTS Sightseeing Art Project 2010, organized by Tokyo
University of the Arts. Ismael also gave a presentation at Tokyo University of the Arts, organized through
associate professor O JUN. He also held a printmaking and face painting workshop for visitors to his open studio
at Youkobo relating to the themes of the Day of the Dead celebration.
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Face painting workshop, 11.23 Open Studio at Youkobo, 11.23 Open Studio, Detail
Mikkel Niemann (Denmark)
2010.9.1－9.30, Residence 3
During his one-month residency, Mikkel Niemann sought a means of
integrating his interest and twenty-year engagement in Karate into his artistic
practice through the medium of performance. His creative work often takes
the form of miniature or large-scale installations using the simple materials of
paper, cardboard, and paint. They inform his interest and background in
architecture. Mikkel gave a presentation of his work which he concluded by
showing an unfinished video performance combining elements of both Karate
and his artwork. Mikkel Nieman Byophobninger, 2009
Benjamin Law (Australia)
2010.10.11－10.31, Residence 3
Benjamin Law was the first non-fiction creative writer to be welcomed to Youkobo. His short
three-week stay was used to research young queer communities in Tokyo as part of extensive
research he was carrying out in South East Asia for a collection of creative essays to be compiled
as a book. Benjamin Law
Hye-Seung Jung (Canada)
2010.11.15－12.31, Residence 2
Hye-Seung held a five-day open studio at the end of her six-week residency where she showed work made in
response to the objects discovered and experiences gained on her frequent outings during the residency. Taking
inspiration from Japanese traditions which involve making wishes, such as daruma dolls or ‘ema’, votive cards on
which people traditionally write their hopes for the year, Hye-Seung created a variety of works where cards
written by the visitors were used in the creation of sculptures and installations.
Open Studio, 12.22 – 12.26
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Marte Kesseling (Germany)
2010.12.01－2011.1.31, Residence 1
During her two-month residency, Marte Kiessling created a new video work comprised with a series of drawing and CG, for which she incorporated her imagination and dream, together with the Tokyo’s city scape and Youkobo’s residency environment. At the end of her residency, she will hold an open studio and exhibition at Youkobo Studio1.
Stills from Metropolis, 2011
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4. Exhibitions Program
The Youkobo exhibitions program aims to provide Japanese and Japan-resident artists with the opportunity to
present work and try out new ideas at minimum costs, while also encouraging exchange with the overseas artists
joining the AIR Program and people in the local community
In 2010, a range of exhibitions were held again with an emphasis on installations that utilize the unique gallery
space. Of the artists who exhibited this year, the majority were returning artists who have shown on previous
occasions. Ryozo Takashima, Naoko Tamaki, Takahiro Ishii, Chihiro Kabata, Yuichiro Kurono, and Mika Sato
have all shown in previous years. Familiar with the particular qualities of the gallery and studio spaces, it has
been interesting to see how these artists found new ways to use the space.
A number of first-time artists also brought fresh ideas and approaches, notably Michiko Tsuda who collaborates
with French artist Caroline Bernard to produce work that explores recent technology such as mobile phone
cameras, web cams, and GPS (Global Positioning System), and Kotaka Takuro whose work lies between the
boundaries of video installation, documentary, and video diary.
2011 Exhibiting Artists
Ryozo Takashima ¥ 0 Project 10.03.06 - 03.09
As part of ‘Thank You Art’ Day held on March 9th (pronounced ‘san-kyu’ in Japanese), Ryozo Takashima
organized his ¥ 0 Project, inspired in part by the common sight in Japan of residents offering unwanted
bric-a-brac in boxes outside their homes to whomever will take them. Taken to the extreme, Ryozo created a wall
of boxes printed with the project title containing various household items which were offered to passers-by.
Takashima’s ¥ 0 Project won second prize in the eco art category of the Eco Japan Cup 2009.
Installation view
Utako Shindo Tsumurumitsumeru_Behold 10.03.11 – 03.28
The exhibition Tsumurumitsumeru-behold by Utako Shindo was the result of six weeks of preparation spent in the
gallery space where she made drawings and gathered textual and photographic recordings from conversations
with a number of invited guests. This material was then used to produce a photographic series where images of
places inspired by the conversations were digitally superimposed onto the faces of the interviewees who have
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their eyes closed. In the exhibition, these photographs were displayed along with poetry and a subtle drawing of
shadows cast through a bamboo branch of leaves placed in the gallery, inviting visitors to contemplate their own
memories of places close to them.
Installation view
Naoko Tamaki An Observer in the View 10.04.01 - 04.18
The element of restructure is important in Naoki’s landscapes. Delicately handworked paper shapes flower-like in
appearance are gradually restructured into an artificial world of her own. As the artist states, it is this processs
which gives her the freedom to restructure the changes taking place within herself. Naoko’s third installation at
Youkobo involved, for the first time, the use of sculptural elements where new shapes protruded from the wall.
Installation View
Takuro Kotaka Traveling Africa with a POTATO 10.05.12 - 05.16
Takuro Kotaka’s video installation was a documentary-style project which the artist began during his travels to
Africa. After hearing the rumor that there are no potatoes in Egypt, he decided to take a potato bought in a market
in South Africa on a journey to the northernmost region of Egypt. Together with his potato Kotaka visited 14
countries overland over a 7-month period, recording their epic adventure where they traversed the African
continent. The potato also made its appearance in the exhibition, sitting on a plinth next to the video projection.
Installation View
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Michiko Tsuda Holes in Gaps – Cinematographic Weavings from the Migratory Project 10.05.28 - 05.30
Using various filming resources such as cell phones, webcams and GPS, the Migratory project, a collaborative
project between Caroline Bernard and Michiko Tsuda, proposes and experiments with new filming forms that
replay, distort and weave space and time. The exhibition organized by Michiko Tsuda reflected on the past three
years of collaboration, presenting documentation and some of the experiments that were carried out in the
three-year period.
Hachioji: Hole in Gap, 2008 Kenji Ide “I think I want to live here” 10.06.10 - 06.27
Kenji Ide often uses found objects and ‘trash’, as the artist names it, for the construction of his installations.
Taking inspiration from his situation of not having a house and staying with different friends at the time, for his
exhibition he imagined living in the gallery and built a living space for himself complete with sleeping bag inside.
Kenji Ide Exhibition
Takahiro Ishii Sacred Tree 10.07.08 - 07.25
In his third Youkobo exhibition, Takahiro Ishii took inspiration from an event in his childhood where a tree near the
temple in his neighborhood was damaged by lightning. He had a strong affection for the tree, imbuing it with a
spiritual presence, and it is the relation between the ‘shrine’ represented by the three hand-made boxes which
contain items often given as offerings at shrines, and the ‘tree’ represented by the sculpture that interests him. He
intended to make a visual connection between the world close at hand and the spiritual world within.
Installation View
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Chihiro Kabata Event Horizon - Innerscape 10.09.09 - 09.26
For her second solo exhibition at Youkobo, Chihiro Kabata presented three site-specific works which were drawn
or glued directly onto the walls of the gallery. These works were an experiment in recording different stages in the
process of painting; beginning, doubt, and affirmation. At first glance what is apparently a blank white space on
the opposite wall reveals the trace of the artist’s hand marks. Her continuing interest is in trying to give shape to
images beyond her own conscious perception.
Installation View
Aya Murakami Fragmentary Landscape 10.10.16 – 10.29
In her first exhibition at Youkobo, Aya Murakami presented an installation and a number of delicate drawings and
paper-based works. Interested in finding a total harmony between the elements within each work, she selects
motifs from a plethora of personal and external sources which form an image or story completed by the viewer.
Installation View
Yuichiro Kurono TSUKINISORA 10.11.03 - 11.14
For his third show at Youkobo, Yuichiro Kurono again combined plaster with natural plant fibers to create a
site-specific installation. Exploring the quick-drying properties of plaster to create surfaces which preserve the
visual appearance of the liquid state in which it is first applied, Kurono made a fragile wall-like structure which
forced visitors to move carefully within the gallery space. The sculpture’s fragility brought into question the
permanence of its existence, and is a reference to the artist’s own experience of suffering from a VSD from birth.
Installation View
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Sayato Yamada hole of troll 10.11.17 - 11.28
Sayato Yamada transforms the rudimentary materials of cardboard sheeting and glue into large weighty
sculptures and small delicately-shaped objects. For his exhibition at Youkobo, he displayed a number of works
made in response to the theme of the ‘Trolls in the Park’ exhibition which took place at the same time.
Installation View Mika Sato 10.12.01 - 12.12
Mika Sato used dried pressed flowers and the seed pods of balloon vines in large quantity in an installation questioning the
boundary between opposing states of living and dying, and past and present. This was Mika Sato’s second exhibition at
Youkobo, taking a very different approach to her kinetic installation last year but continuing to explore the relationship
between conscious action and emotion.
Installation View
Jyunichi Kaneboko
10.12.15 – 12.26
Taking inspiration from childhood memories of playing with marbles and the realization when his grandmother passed away
that the number of times a human heart beats, no matter how large, has a limit, Jyunichi Kanebako created an interactive
installation in which the movement of multi-colored marbles in a kaleidoscopic drum projected onto the gallery ceiling
corresponded to the viewer’s heartbeat.
Installation View
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5. Studio Program
Utilizing the environment of the Youkobo studio and maintaining a flexible approach to its use, from 2010 we
have made the studios available for use by artists resident in Japan for one-month periods in periods when it is
not in use for the AIR Program and gallery program.
Depending on the Youkobo schedule, there are cases when the period has been extended.
O JUN
2010.2.1 - 3.20
Making the most of studio 2 with its natural light and generous size,
Japanese artist O JUN used the time to complete a series of oil paintings
to be shown at Mizuma Art Gallery, Tokyo.
Work in Progress in Studio 2
Utako Shindo
2010.2.1 - 3.31
Using the gallery space for a two-month period, Japanese artist Utako
Shindo created a series of site specific works in an installation that was
later shown in an exhibition at the end of March.
Drawing works in progress
at Youkobo gallery space
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6. Talk Events
Youkobo continued its objective of holding regular artist talks throughout the year in order to facilitate communication and
exchange between domestic and overseas artists and the wider community. There were a number of developments this year,
notably a presentation given by Youkobo residency artist Souliya Phoumivong and Ismael de Anda for the under and post
graduate students of Painting department, Tokyo University of the Arts, achieved with the cooperation of artist and lecturer, O
JUN. There was also a talk show given by Chihiro Kabata held in front of her work in which Yoshimi Chinzei, curator at the
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, investigated the artist’s intentions for the work on display.
Another talk show of note was that given by Michiko Tsuda and French artist, Caroline Bernard. The artists have
worked together on many projects over the last few years, and some of the work shown by Michiko at Youkobo was produced
in one of these projects. Caroline joined the talk via skype.
Talk by Jaakko Mattila, Merve Ertufan, Talk by Dimple Rajyaguru and Susan White, 08.28
And Kenji Ide, 05.10
Talk by Ismael de Anda, Tokyo University of the Arts, 10.22 Talk by Chihiro Kabata with special guest Yoshimi Chinzei,
(curator, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo) 9.24
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List of Artist Talk Events in 2010
Pat Warner and Michele Kong
Studio 2, 2010.01.15
Utako Shindo
Gallery, 2010.03.13
Jaakko Mattila, Merve Ertufan and Kenji Ide
Studio 1, 2010.05.10
Souliya Phoumivong, Tatsuhiko and Hiroko Murata (Youkobo co-directors)
Tokyo University of the Arts
2010.05.28
Michiko Tsuda and Caroline Bernard
Gallery, 2010.05.29
Takahiro Ishii and Merve Ertufan
Studio 2, 2010.07.24
Dimple Rajyagaru and Susan White
Studio 1, 2010.08.28
Chihiro Kabata and Mikkel Niemann
Gallery and studio 1, 2010.09.24
Ismael de Anda
Sumida Asahi Hall, 2010,10.21
Ismael de Anda, Tatushiko and Hiroko Murata (Youkobo co-directors), Ritsu Yoshio (ACC)
Tokyo University of the Arts, 2010.10.22
‘Yonshiki’ Talk Event
O JUN, Keishin Nakaseko, Hiroki Tsutusi, Emi Otaguro, Hiromi Iuchi
Studio 1, 11.13
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7. Global Internship Program
The Global Internship Program was established in 2006 with the aim of giving gifted young curators and art
managers a chance for hands-on experience in art management in Tokyo, while also assisting in the
development of Youkobo into an interactive center for experimentation in Tokyo both for overseas and domestic
artists.
No participants were accepted for the Global Internship Program in 2010 in order to give time to re-consider the
aims and management of the program. Utako Shindo, a Japanese artist who has been based in Melbourne,
Australia for the past seven years will be joining the program in 2011.
8. Network Development
JENESYS Program
An important development for Youkobo this year was the start of a collaboration with the Japan Foundation. The
JENESYS Program, ‘The Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths’ is an invitation
program for young artists and creators from Asia. Youkobo became one of a number of host institutions for the
program, inviting Souliya Phoumivong, a young artist and lecturer at the National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA) in
Vientiane, Laos, to undertake a two-month residency.
There were only positive results from this collaboration. Through Youkobo’s support, Souliya was able
to achieve his goals, while thanks to Souliya a number of new alliances and networks were created. It is the hope
of both Youkobo and Souliya that there will be further opportunities to work together in the future. Youkobo will be
hosting another JENESYS participant in 2011.
Souliya Phoumivong, JENESYS Program Presentation at Tokyo University of the Arts
Trolls in Spring workshop, 04.22 6.20
Res Artis Award
In early September of 2009, Youkobo joined the 14th Biennial of Young Artists from Europe and the
Mediterranean held in Skopje as one of 9 artist-in-residence centers hosting the Res Artis Award. In collaboration
with BJCEM, Res Artis, an international network of artist residencies, offered 9 fully funded residencies as an
award to artists selected from the Biennial by the host institutions. The artist selected by Youkobo, Merve Ertufan
22
from Istanbul, Turkey, joined the residency program for two months in June and July 2010.
Youkobo’s goal as host was to give Merve an experience that would contribute to her development as a
professional artist. In what was inevitably a very short period in which to adjust to a new environment, make a
new body of work, and present it in an open studio Merve was, with Youkobo’s assistance, able to build
connections with other resident and exhibiting artists and hold an open studio of new work made during her
residence. Notably, the connection made with Michiko Tsuda was particularly fruitful, both artists deciding to
collaborate in a new project after the residency.
Feedback from Merve expressed a need to provide a longer residency period for future Res Artis Award
winners in order for them to benefit fully from the time given to produce work in response to their experiences.
Another possible development for the Award discussed at the Res Artis GM would be an exhibition for the Res
Artis award winners so that they can present the results of their residencies to a greater audience.
Res Artis Award Ceremony, Skopje Biennial 2009 Merve Ertufan presentation, studio 1, 07.24
GTS Sightseeing Art Project 2010
The Geidai Taito Sumida (GTS) Sightseeing Art Project was launched by Tokyo University of the Arts with the
support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Invited by Toyoko Hoshina,
professor at Tokyo University and director of the international arts project of GTS, Youkobo was able to
coordinate the participation of residency artist, Ismael de Anda.
As a three-year project, Youkobo intends to create further opportunities for Youkobo artists to
collaborate in the GTS project in future years and build stronger ties with the institutions involved.
Ismael de Anda with his work in the GTS exhibition, 10.20 - 30
23
J-AIR Forum 10.06.11
The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Tokyo
The J-AIR Forum is an annual meeting of J-AIR Network members, AIR Program directors and art administrators,
and Japanese artists who are earnestly seeking information about creative spaces in other parts of the world.
The third open forum, co-organized by the Embassy of Finland, the Finnish Institute, and the Royal
Norwegian Embassy, and with the cooperation of the Japan Foundation, focused on countries within the
Arctic Circle to introduce a range of Artist Residencies active in that area.
This year’s forum involved presentations by Henna Harri, director of Helsinki International AIR
Program, about AIRs in Finland, and a presentation by artist Marita Solberg about her experiences on a
residency at Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. The forum was brought to a conclusion with a panel discussion
involving the presenters, Finnish Institute representative Aarne Toivonen, and Youkobo residency artist
Jaakko Mattila who was able to contribute his thoughts on his residency experience at Youkobo.
The debate generated during the panel discussion about the benefits of residency programs to
artists and communities and how residency spaces might move forward in the future reflected a strong
interest from the audience. The forum also continued its strong role of
providing a platform for network-building to the artists and art
administrators who attended. A database of AIR programs and centers
in Norway, Finland, and Sweden created by Youkobo was also made
accessible to participants and has now been uploaded to the J-AIR
Forum website.
http://www.endeavor.or.jp J-AIR Open Forum, 06.11
Res Artis General Meeting 2010
The general meeting of Res Artis, a worldwide network of artist residencies, was held over a five-day period from
October 6 (Wed) to October 10 (Sun) in Montreal, Canada. Taking the theme ‘The Americas: Independent Artistic
Practices in the Era of Globalization’, the diverse activities of AIR centers with a focus on Latin America and the
American continent became the hot topic of discussion. Of the 20 participating countries and over 180
participants, the majority came from North America while participants from Western Europe and Asia (Japan and
Korea only) also took part. The next general meeting is scheduled to be held in Japan in 2012, hosted by Tokyo
Wonder Site. While also giving an opportunity to find out about AIR-related activities in Canada, it was also a
chance to consolidate the role of Res Artis as a worldwide network, and increase exchange between those
involved or interested in AIR centers.
Presentation at the Agency for Cultural Affairs:
Informal meeting to discuss Artist in Residence Centers
In the afternoon of October 26 (Tue), a meeting of domestic Artist in Residence Center managers and directors
was held by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Representatives from a total of 20 institutions were joined by the
commissioner of the Cultural Affairs Agency in addition to media representatives in a meeting to exchange
24
opinions. As part of a plan for the revival of a healthy Japan through Art and Culture, the will of Mr. Kondo, the
new commissioner of Cultural Affairs appointed in July, was reflected in his introduction of a new
internationally-focused initiative to promote Art and Culture which will provide measures to support domestic AIR
centers. While providing a chance to introduce the activities of local government-led centers, it was an invaluable
opportunity for Youkobo to introduce some of its programs and to inform the participants about the challenges
faced by independent centers in their efforts to continue their activities.
Noge Hana Hana Symposium
Yokohama, 2010.6.20
Youkobo participated in a symposium titled ‘Art and Urban Development: Kamiyama×Noge’, organized by Noge
Hana Hana, a community-based art project. The panelists discussed the influence of Artist Residencies and
urban development projects through the introduction of activities based in Kamiyama City and Yokohama City,
and the suitability of the artists among other issues.
25
9. Projects organized by Youkobo
Trolls in the Park
2010.11.03 – 11.23
[Outline]
Trolls in the Park is an open-air art exhibition which takes place in Metropolitan Zempukuji Park. Started in 2002
with the aim of presenting contemporary art to a wide audience, the activities developed by the participating
artists continue to enliven the community.
It was decided then to take a new approach to the 2010 exhibition, focusing on performance-based
events taking place on a purpose-built stage developed by Netabarox, a three-member unit of artists who
develop their own projects while working as producers of sets for TV shows. Performances in the park were
coordinated by the local group Radio pachipachi, while a number of related events such as ‘Yonshiki’, a series of
happenings and performances by four artists organized by O JUN, and ‘Where sounds reside’, a series of
improvisational concerts and events organized by Arai Yoko, took place at Youkobo.
Site-specific artwork was limited this year to the orienteering-style work ‘Your Fantasy’ by artist and art
director Keishin Nakaseko. Taking Alice in Wonderland as his theme, Nakaseko set some of the characters from
the story within the park as blue silhouettes, and encouraged visitors to contemplate the riddles and telling words
written on the surfaces.
*The Art in Parks project, which was initiated as part of Trolls in the Park 2009. Organized in collaboration with
Wimbledon College of Art, the second stage of the project was scheduled to take place in 2010 in Cannizaro Park in the UK.
However, it has now been postponed until 2012 due to financial setbacks with the second stage of the Art in Parks project
Trolls in Spring
2010.04.30 –05.06
The goal of the ‘Trolls in Spring Exhibition’ is to give children the chance to work closely with an overseas artist
and to provide an opportunity to experience making art in ways different from the classes in school.
The 2010 'Trolls in Spring Exhibition’ was a collaboration between Momoshi Elementary School and
Youkobo staff member and artist Jaime Humphreys. For this year’s exhibition, the 4th grade children were
challenged to create new species of plants, insects and animals, painting them onto veneer board and then
displaying them in the park in locations of their choosing for the six-day exhibition period.
Building on the success of last year ’s exhibition, the children’s work had a strong presence in the park
which attracted lots of attention and positive comments from the local community. Perhaps more importantly, the
exhibition gives the children the chance to explore and re-invent their surroundings in having the freedom to
display their work in a public space.
26
Trolls Symposium – ‘Connecting Green and Urban Space – The Future of Trolls in the Park’
Continuing the success of the first Trolls symposium held at Tokyo University of Agriculture held last year, this
year’s symposium welcomed a variety of speakers who made up the eight panelists. Six key organizers,
Tatsuhiko Murata (Youkobo co-director, Trolls co-director), O JUN (painter, curator of YONSHIKI), Machiko
Watanabe (Radio pachipachi, organizer of a number of performances and open cafe), Akio Motonaga (art
teacher of Momoi No.4 Elementary School), Keishin Nakaseko (art director, producer of ‘Your Fantasy’), and
Keiko Torigoe (soundscape researcher, organizer of the sound walk) were joined by two special guests, Nozomu
Ogawa (TERATOTERA director) and Tomohiro Nishimura (art critic) to consider this year ’s exhibition and how it
might be developed in future events.
With a focus on performances that encouraged greater interaction between performers and residents, the Trolls
event was again well received with lots of visitors turning out to see the events held at weekends. However, it
was clear that the program of performances in itself was not enough to fill the three weeks of the Trolls event, and,
as discussed in the Trolls symposium, it is a definite goal for the tenth Trolls event in 2011 to organize both
performances and an art exhibition.
Art Kids
Art Kids is an 'art workshop' taking place once a month at the neighboring Momoi No.4 Elementary School.
Reaching its tenth year in 2010, a number of artists and creators have taught the children over the years,
giving the children a chance to experience and communicate with the world through art. The workshops
have taken many themes and forms over the years, utilizing a wide range of media from music and
performance, to calligraphy and handicrafts. UK artist Jaime Humphreys lead the workshops this year,
focusing on a series of experimental drawing and sculpture workshops where the kids tried out new materials
and techniques following a variety of themes.
‘Tunnel’ Workshop, 06.12 ‘Join the Dots’ Workshop, 07.1 ‘Cave’ Workshop, 10.09
27
2010 Overview
AIR 1 AIR 2 AIR 3510
15 1.1620
2531510
15 2.1220
25
30
5
10
15 3.1220
25
30
5
10
15
20
25
30 4.25
5
10 5.8
15
2025
30
5
10
15 6.12
20
25
305
10 7.115
2025
30
5
10
15
20
25
31
5
1015 9.1120
25
30
5
10 10.9
15
20
25 10.31
31
5
10
15 11.1320
25 Symposium 11.23
30
5
10
15 12.11
20
25
30
Toyo
Bijutsu
11.11
Takahiro Ishii
7.8 - 7.25
5.1
8.28
11.13
Chihiro Kabata
9.9 - 9.26
Aya Murakami
10.16 - 10.29
Yuichiro Kurono
11.3 - 11.14
Merve Ertufan
(Turkey)
6.4 - 7.31
Susan White
(USA) 8.1 -
8.31
Susan White
(USA) 8.1 - 8.31
Tim McCormack
(Canada)
12.26.09 - 3.31
Sayato Yamada
11.17 - 11.28
Benjamin Law
(Australia)
10.11 - 10.31
Hye-Seung Jung
(Canada)
11.15 - 12.31
Trolls:
Yonshiki
Mika Sato
12.1 - 12.12
Junichi Kanebako
12.15 - 12.26
Valerio Berruti
(Italy)
9.1 - 10.31
Trolls:
Yonshiki
Marte Kiessling
(Germany)
12.2 - 2.1
Hye-Seung Jung
(Canada)
11.15 - 12.31
Trolls: Where
Sounds Reside
Utako Shindo
3.11 - 3.28
Naoko Tamaki
4.1 - 4.18
Takurou Kotaka
5.12 - 5.16
Michiko Tsuda
5.28 - 5.30
Ismael de Anda
(USA)
9.1 - 11.5
6.27
Trolls in Spring
Exhibition
4.30 - 5.6
Agency of
Cultural Affairs
Presentation
10.6
Pat Warner (USA)
4.1 - 4.31
Ara Kim (Korea)
5.2 - 6.30
Martijn Tellinga
(Holland)
7.4 - 7.29
Ryozo Takashima
3.6 - 3.9
Construction
work carried out
Mikkel Niemann
(Denmark)
9.1 - 9.30
Res Artis G M
(Canada)
10.6 - 10.10
GTS Exhibition
10.20 - 10.30
Month
4
Gallery/ExhibitionsAIR・Studio Program
O JUN
(Japan)
(Studio Program)
2.1 - 3.20
8
Michele Kong
(USA)
10.1.2009 -
3.31.2010
Jaakko Mattilla
(Finland)
4.1 - 6.30
Dimple
Rajyaguru
(Australia)
7.1 - 8.31
Souliya
Phoumivong
(Laos)
3.23 - 5.31
2
1
Trolls in the Park
Exhibition
11.3 - 11.23
7.25
5.29
9.26
1.15
3.13
10.22
10
11
Kenji Ide
6.10 - 6.27
5.28
9
Utako Shindo
(Studio Program)
2.1 - 3.10
RES ARTIS
AWARD winner
sarat 6.4
3
12
6
7
5
7.24
Talks
9.24
Trolls EventsNetworks
8.29
thank you art
3.9
JENESYS
Program
start 3.23
Lecture
Geidai
5.28
Geidai
10.22
Art
Kids
J-AIR Forum
6.11
5.3
